After months of national competitions across the region, five of Southeast Asia’s top bartenders are set to compete in the inaugural Monkey Shoulder Ultimate Bartender Championship (UBC) Regional Final in Tokyo this October. Winners from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines will join counterparts from Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and India in a three-day contest to determine Asia’s Ultimate Bartender Champion.

Launched in 2025, Monkey Shoulder UBC has shifted the focus of cocktail competitions toward what it calls the “skills that pay the bills.” Instead of purely conceptual creations, the competition tests speed, accuracy, creativity, service, and knowledge through six challenges: an industry quiz, precision pouring, nosing test, table service trial, Monkey Shoulder’s Gold Rush cocktail, and the Round Building finale, where bartenders must prepare 10 classic cocktails in rapid succession

Shoutheast Asia's Champions

From Thailand, the champion from WYWS Cocktail Bar, Bangkok will represent the country after demonstrating exceptional technical mastery. Monkey Shoulder Thailand Brand Ambassador Phaothong Dykins said, “Our UBC winner embodies the creativity and hospitality that Thai bartenders are known for, and we are proud to see WYWS carry the flag in Tokyo.”

Malaysia’s Ivon Soon, Head Bartender at Enso Izakaya & Bar, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur, secured her place after four years of competing. “This is more than just a personal victory – it’s a chance to represent Malaysia on the regional stage,” she said.

From Singapore, Wong Wee Siong of The Lobby Bar at The Singapore EDITION triumphed over 60 contenders. “Tokyo will be my first international competition, and I want to showcase patience, composure, and passion for the craft,” he shared.

Indonesia’s Yesaya Rotinsulu, Head Bartender of 8Souls Jazz Club in Jakarta, finally claimed the title after years of competing. “Winning isn’t the finish line—it’s the start of a responsibility to raise standards and proudly represent Indonesia,” he said.

Representing the Philippines is David Abalayan, Bar Manager at No Entry Cocktail Club in Manila. His speed and precision earned unanimous approval from judges. “Winning in Manila felt surreal, but it gave me the confidence that years of hard work were worth it,” he said.

Local Celebrations and Regional Finals

Before heading to Tokyo, the champions will host celebratory shifts in their home countries, including Ivon Soon at Enso Izakaya & Bar in Kuala Lumpur on 4 October and Yesaya Rotinsulu at STALK Bar, SCBD, Jakarta on 1 October.

Brendon Khoo, Monkey Shoulder’s Regional Brand Ambassador for Southeast Asia, noted: “Monkey Shoulder UBC is more than a title. It’s a launchpad for bartenders to test themselves, connect with peers, and raise the bar for the entire industry. The calibre of champions this year proves Southeast Asia is ready to shine internationally.”

The UBC Regional Final will run from 10–12 October 2025 in Tokyo, held alongside the DMC World DJ Championships, highlighting Monkey Shoulder’s connection between cocktail culture and music.